Feeling 50/50 toward Oxfam Trailwalker?

Sydney-siders should no longer feel daunted by the mammoth 100km challenge of Oxfam Trailwalker, as a brand new 50km trail option has just been announced for 2017. People of all fitness levels can now take part in Oxfam Trailwalker – Oxfam’s fundraising endurance challenge where teams of four walk or run 100km in 48 hours or less.

A team that sticks together finishes together. Photo: Supplied

Given that teams must stick together for up to two days and two nights, and finish together as well, Oxfam Trailwalker is the ultimate team bonding and team spirit experience.

Each year the event takes place in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth and raises millions of dollars for Oxfam Australia’s work tackling poverty in communities around the world. Teams must raise a minimum of $1,400 between them in order to participate, with the average amount raised being $3,500.

Oxfam Australia’s Event Fundraising Manager Anna Wemyss said the launch of the 50km trail, to be completed in 24 hours or less, also coincided with the 50th anniversary year of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), which was collaborating with Oxfam Australia for the big event.

“Oxfam Trailwalker is excited to launch the inaugural 50km event in Sydney and we’re looking forward to celebrating this with NSW Parks,” Ms Wemyss said. “Each year we receive such motivating feedback from walkers about their experience taking on the Trailwalker challenge, and the 50km trail means Sydney-siders of all fitness abilities can now share in that experience.”

She said the half-distance trail options had been a huge success in Brisbane and Perth in previous years, attracting participants who might not have the time to train and commit to the 100km challenge.

Last year, Oxfam Trailwalker raised more than $6 million for Oxfam’s work. Oxfam works in over 90 countries around the world, empowering people to lift themselves out of poverty. As poverty is complex, Oxfam works in many different ways, including providing clean water and sanitation, helping farmers with agricultural methods, improving access to education, tackling gender inequality, campaigning for labour rights and fair tax policies, responding to humanitarian emergencies and working hand in hand with Indigenous Australians.

The full trail begins at Parsley Bay, winding through the beautiful bushland of northern Sydney, with the final section featuring the Spit to Manly Walk with sweeping views above Sydney Harbour. The 50km trail follows the last half of the same track, and begins at Bobbin Head one day later.